Please buy better holsters. Every time I see a news report about open carry, invariably there will be a close-up of some dude with his Springfield XD carried in a terrible nylon holster or a Fobus paddlewhacker. This makes me sad, because those holsters are trash. Please note that we’re not going to talk about Open Carry as a form of activism or anything like that, we’re talking about gear. Now, I’d normally prefer that if you’re going to open carry you do so with a retention holster, because it ads a layer of safety. However, I’d understand if you don’t want a retention holster, which is fine – just ditch that crappy nylon holster.
Now, I hear your objections: “Nylon is cost effective, and I don’t want to spend $60 on a proper kydex holster!” That’s fine, because you can get an awesome injection molded holster for 20 dollars. I spent the better part of this competition season running a $20 Blade Tech Revolution Series holster, first for a Glock then for the XDM; and you know what? They work great. They’re incredibly tough, as my XDM holster survived all manner of abuse during the IDPA World Championships and other matches. It’s been rolled on, thrown, dragged through mud, and all I had to do to clean it was wash it off in the sink.
So Open Carriers, let’s ditch those crappy nylon sausage sacks, and get decent holsters! When you’re going to be the forefront of activism on an issue, looking like a stud never hurt the cause.
Meh to Kydex.
Leather FTW.
I am just not a big fan of leather holsters, although I do use certain ones from time to time. My current pet peeve are leather holster makers that try to make a holster into a “premium” model by inlaying some other type of leather or pattern on the front of the holster body with usually hideous results.
Ahh, well I don’t go for that stuff either. Simple black leather holster with a thumb break is what I choose.
I use the Galco Halo when I have my TLR-1 on, or a DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard when I don’t.
Perhaps not the fanciest out there, but I trust them and they are comfortable.
I should also add that one of my bigger problems with many kydex holsters is that they stick out too far. I don’t really like that even when I am OCing, and obviously not when I conceal.
Even though I am an OCer, it doesn’t mean that there are not times when I want to conceal. My leather holsters all allow me to do that easily.
But much like carry choice, to each his own…
What are your objections to Fobus? I’ve had a Fobus paddle holster for the 1911 for several years, and I’ve found it to be secure and durable.
I’ve had issues with Fobus holsters wearing out very quick with the little rivets that connect the paddle to the holster body shearing away under repeated reps from the holster.
Same problem. I’m not very happy with Fobus. Nothing like a rivit or two popping off when you sit down at IHOP.
I personally wouldn’t OC much in a paddle holster. I want a holster that if I do get into a fight for my pistol (however slim a possibility), it is attached to my belt in a way that they are going to have to be the incredible hulk to remove it.
That is why I like holsters that attach like my thumb break scabbard, where they would have to break the belt to remove the holster.
I don’t open carry, even though it’s been legal in Arizona since the Anazazi were living in Walnut Canyon.
But if I did, I’d go with something that attaches securely to my belt and had some type of Level 2 retention. If my pistol is out in the open for all to see, I want to make sure only I can get to it.
retention is 90/10 attention/gear.
Thinking that crooks dont have thumbs or the ability to press buttons is like thinking the TSA actually protects us at the airport.
My first holster for my CZ75 was Fobus paddle holster, and it was a snug fit. So much so that there was 50/50 chance the pistol AND holster would come off my belt in a draw.
Spend the extra twenty. It’s worth it.
Nylon or fabric holster and Fobus holsters (especially when the paddle part is worn outside the pants) serve an important purpose – they help designate the newbies and untrained, and let you know which shooters to stay away from during the match.
I’ve ripped a Fobus holster apart. When you draw or holster, the holster separates at the seam along the rivets – it stretches. Check it out and see.
LOL!
Spend $500 on a gun and then spend $9 on a cheapo universal holster. It kind of says someone about that gun owner.
Don’t forget the $5 belt that they wear with the cheapo holster.
Totally agree. on this^^^^
It is like buying a Porsche and bitching about having to use premium. You bought it for a reason, service it properly and load out with proper gear
The elitism on this sight is sickening.
*Site
Spending an extra $10 for a holster that works well is elitist? Even if you bought a used Hi-Point, a decent holster is only a fraction of the cost of the pistol…
If elitism = safe, secure and fast on the draw, then I’m an elitist., I guess.
I’ve been called worse.
It cracks me up that I’m telling people to spend $20 on a holster and that’s elitist. Seriously, twenty bucks. It’s not like I’m saying “buy a $100 Kramer” or “if your holster doesn’t cost $80 it sucks”. I’m saying “get a holster that doesn’t suck, and oh look here’s one for TWENTY FRIGGIN’ DOLLARS.”
I used to perform private investigation services in the early 1980s in Hawaii and I never used a holster. I would just stick my full-size 1911 in the back of my jeans or shorts. No one seemed to care as I rode around in a borrowed Ferrari and lived on Robin Masters’ estate with Higgins and his dogs.
Besides, it’s not like you can find articles linked at Uncle’s site about people shooting themselves because their crappy nylon, or worn out leather, holster snagged the trigger on the way in.
That never happens.
Seriously, with the exception of his fanboi lust for a FN FiveSeven, Caleb’s pretty much all about function over form.
New shooter here, about seven months. They recommended a FOBUS when I bought my Springfield XD 9mm and I love it. Can you explain ‘zactly what’s wrong with a FOBUS and what’s right with the KYDEX?
The rivets on Fobus holsters are generally suspect and tend to shear at inopportune times.
Their paddle holsters in particular don’t grip the belt well — I’ve personally seen at least five otherwise competent people draw both the gun and holster under pressure.
Thanks SS! Cash is tight at the moment but as soon as finances allow I will replace my FOBUS.
Brian, the very excellent Blade-tech Revolution series are about 20 bucks from Cheaper than Dirt.
I’m with you, Caleb. I had a Revolution holster for my USPSA Glock I picked up from an LE supply place on sale for $15 and loved it.
It’s not elitist to ask folks to carry with proper gear… especially when they choose to be the spokespeople of our movement ;-)
Just don’t look at the worn-out Galco my carry gun lives in right now, he he…
While, I don’t agree author’s (of the video, not Caleb) other comments, this tends to be the problem with Fobus Holsters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDeKtgkZKmQ&list=FLUbhOjyUr2fux7AF_HsuaJg&index=3&feature=plpp_video
If I OC (which is only at work, or when I’m out of the state of Texas), I use a Safariland 6378 ALS (about $35 if you use a quick Google search). Yes it’s a paddle holster, but I dare you to try and rip it apart, it’s not going to happen, especially before I can get to my BUG. Not all paddle holsters are created equal. Buy a good one.
What bugs me is seeing people use those absolutely horrid things Springfield Armory calls a holster that they ship with all their guns. Other than they do indeed meet the basic description; they mount to your belt, you can carry a gun in it and it covers the trigger guard, but it doesn’t do any of those things very well. It allows your gun to flap about and hang awkwardly, banging into your side with each step and sliding about on the belt. About all it does do well is keep a death grip on it making it difficult to draw in a hurry.
Thanks for the mention! Glad you like our holsters :) Posting this on Facebook today. Tessa
I use a Galco Yaqui paddle holster during the cooler months due to outer garments doing the concealment but during the rest of the year I carry IWB and I want to see you guys wear a plastic holster, be it Kydex or not, in your pants. I use an Uncle Mikes nylon holster IWB and have yet to shoot myself in the foot, leg or any other part of my body. I’m certain if Uncle Mikes produced a holster that would catch a trigger during the hollstering of a firearm causing a discharge they would have issued a recall on such a product. I would have to say a finger was on the trigger while attempting to holster a firearm if there was a discharge and not a part of the holster. There was no mention of what type od firearm this happened with but we all know most firearms today are not going to discharge by simply pulling the trigger due to other safety features. I have shot IDPA matches with a nylon holster and while it wasn’t the best holster I could have used it served its purpose just fine. We all have our preferences to brands and materials and it is up to each individual to decide what works best for them. As a firearms instructor I present my students with all that is available on the market but leave it up to them to choose, sometimes through trial and error, what they prefer. Some people feel the more they spend on something the better it is and while this is true in some cases in others it simply isn’t. I paid a lot of money for my Galco holster but it doesn’t do the job of retaining my firearm any better than my Uncle Mikes.
I carry with a Comp-Tac CTAC IWB. It’s an all-kydex holster. I know that many people who are truly serious about concealed carry that also choose the CTAC for their year round carry option.
“I use a Galco Yaqui paddle holster during the cooler months due to outer garments doing the concealment but during the rest of the year I carry IWB and I want to see you guys wear a plastic holster, be it Kydex or not, in your pants.”
Been using a kydex Raven Concealment holster IWB from sunup to sundown, seven days a week, for coming up on two months now (after using leather, horse or cow, for over ten years.)
What’s supposed to happen with this kydex?
As an Open Carry advocate here in Kalifornia, I have always carried either a Blade-Tech or Blackhawk retention type Kydex holster. Safety while carrying is paramount… Yeah, and they do look great too :)
My primary carry holser is a IWB kydex Blade Tech for my 1911. That being said, when I am taking part in any local competitions (or practicing for them) I use a Fobus paddle holster. Why? Because I have found the draw from them (for me anyway) to be fast and smooth. I have been through a couple of them so I have to agree that they are not long lasting, but they fill a nitch for me that the other residents of my “box of holsters” don’t. For open carry (which is rare for me) I generaly would chose a belt slide with a thumb break. The important thing is find a holster that works for you, make sure it is in good condition, and practice practice practice………
The only person to ever rag on my carrying in a FOBUS holster was a holster-maker himself, and he acquitted himself poorly by pointing to a video whereby the pistol could be brute-forced off the belt. How could HIS holster prevent a brute force grab either by pushing down or pulling up? He was strangely silent on the issue… and so I’d urge others to be taking money or merchandise from makers who can’t prove to be otherwise.
I have to disagree with the comment that *upscaling* a leather rig with exotic skins…some folk, be they FUDDs, the uninitiated, the not-as-smart-and-savvy as *professional* gunbloggers, etc., want to have something more than a utilitarian black Kydex rig.
These folk don’t care about anyones IDPA creds…they want something safe, secure, and retains their firearm. Period. They also want it to look nice, match their wardrobe, etc., while they OC.
While at the NRA event, I was cornered (pardon the pun) by the Cornered Cat lady herself, Kathy Jackson, who said *you make really nice looking holsters, but when are you going to make “pretty” ones for us ladies*?
Dude…that was a 2×4 upside the noggin that there is an untapped market out there. My job is to serve that market with “pretty” holsters whilst making sure that the retention and safety is paramount.
So don’t knock the *upscaled* stuff…we’re simply serving the desires of the consumer, with upscaled, high quality hand crafted products.
Dennis, I have no problem with “high end” leather gear. I strongly recommend Kramer holsters for people looking for a high quality leather holster. The Kramer holsters also come highly recommended by professional trainers and LE officers.
My Milt Sparks horse VM-2 has sharkskin trim. It’s the berries.
mmmmm…. Milt Sparks. I’m more talking about when people try to dress up low quality products with cosmetic touches. Sharkskin trimmed VM2 is just awesome.